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Duke University vs Elon University

Duke University is a private university in Durham, NC. Elon University is a private university in Elon, NC. Duke University admits about 6% of applicants and Elon University about 66%, making Duke University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $29,612 a year at Duke University after aid, and about $41,555 at Elon University. About 96% of students graduate at Duke University, compared with 84% at Elon University. Ten years after enrolling, Duke University alumni earn a median of about $97,800, against $74,545 for Elon University.

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Duke University

Durham, NC · Private

Elon University

Elon, NC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Durham, NC
Elon, NC
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
6,442
6,452
Acceptance rate
6%
66%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.49–3.99
SAT (middle 50%)
1500–1570
1130–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
23–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,612
$41,555
Full cost / yr
$87,072
$62,266
In-state tuition
$68,758
$46,958
Out-of-state tuition
$68,758
$46,958
Application fee
$85
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$735
$26,523
$30k - $48k
$0*
$23,514
$48k - $75k
$5,706
$24,064
$75k - $110k
$17,100
$34,472
Over $110k
$54,230
$49,743
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
84%
Freshman retention
98%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$85,792
$58,082
Median earnings (10 yr)
$97,800
$74,545
Median debt at graduation
$13,000
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
10%
First-generation students
13%
9%
International students
11%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 4
Jan 10

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Duke University or Elon University harder to get into?
Duke University is harder to get into. It admits about 6% of applicants, compared with 66% at Elon University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Duke University or Elon University?
Duke University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $29,612 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $41,555 at Elon University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Duke University and Elon University?
Before aid, Elon University costs about $62,266 a year and Duke University about $87,072. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Duke University or Elon University?
Duke University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $735 there, against about $26,523 at Elon University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Duke University or Elon University?
Elon University is the larger of the two, with about 6,452 undergraduates against 6,442 at Duke University.
Does Duke University or Elon University have a better graduation rate?
Duke University has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 84% at Elon University.
Do graduates of Duke University or Elon University earn more?
Duke University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $97,800 ten years after enrolling, against about $74,545 for Elon University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Duke University and Elon University require SAT or ACT scores?
Duke University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Elon University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Duke University and Elon University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1500–1570 at Duke University and 1130–1280 at Elon University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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Which of these is the better fit for you?

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